Bahamas

The last specific 45596 thread was in 2019 so I hope a new one is appropriate.
I'm pleased to say that Bahamas will be visiting Peak Rail for an extended stay this July, arriving via the mainline connection.
It is probably nearly sixty years since a Jubilee graced the Matlock to Rowsley section of the Peak Line, so this is a very welcome visit indeed.
The usual caveats apply of course.

Dave

 

Seems like no mainline trips this summer for 45596

 

It's good that BLS have got somewhere to earn steaming fees for the summer.
Just another unforseen result of the CDL issues at Carnforth.

Cheers, Neil

 

Even if 45596 is doing very little mainline work, given there seems to be quite a number of lines short of locomotives (Peak Rail included) I can't imagine Bahamas will be short of work?

Chris

 

Given the costs and risks that apply to main line running it's probably less risky to find work on heritage lines where the attraction of a rare locomotive to the site being visited can attract a greater number of visitors; Win win for both parties - loco earns money heritage line sees increased income.

 

RTC still has Bahamas advertised for a number of summer trains. Some clash with visit to Peak Rail, so major website updating is urgently required. Mind you, I'm not holding my breath for those trains booked for 45596 haulage prior to its visit.

Bahamas will certainly be missed by its growing number of fans in the South of England, I'm sure. It has given some superb performances since becoming the mainstay of RTC's summer Southern/South Western programme. Still, it is good to know that it will be earning some income elsewhere.

 

I strongly suspect that as much as anything the direction of travel (or not) from WCR will be indicated by what people like the BLS and NELPG chose to do in terms of braking system fitments going forward.

 

The Bahamas Locomotive Society have a newly launched book available all about Bahamas written by Pete Skellon one of the long term members who's been involved since the early days at Dinting..... maybe another way to raise funds to help keep the wheels turning ??
Bahamas - the story of a steam locomotive, by Peter W Skellon - The Bahamas Locomotive Society (bahamas45596.co.uk)

 

I received a pre-publication copy available to members a few days ago. Written in a different way to the normal string of facts type book with a lot of human interest, thoroughly recommended. Also worth getting by the same author, if you can find a copy, is Bashers, Mourners and Gadgets, a history of the Coal Tanks .

 

Today there's a book signing in the Learning Coach at Ingrow by Pete Skellon the author of that really good book on Bahamas.... see post #8 above........ mail order also available via the link

 

Just bumping this thread to highlight the fact that the new book is superb! As well as a detailed history of the loco it's telling the wider story of the railways and the preservation movement. Fascinating read and I haven't put it down in 5 days now. With the owners losing their expected income stream this summer I can heartily recommend the book as a means of giving some financial support to them whilst been educated and entertained at the same time.

No connection other than as a very satisfied purchaser

 

Mike, many thanks for your post, we're glad you like Pete Skellon's new book!!
Would you consider leaving your comments on our online shop review, the button's just below the image of the book

Bahamas - the story of a steam locomotive, by Peter W Skellon - The Bahamas Locomotive Society (bahamas45596.co.uk)

Any funds raised help us keep the wheels turning... thanks for your support !!!

 

No problem - done.

 

Many thanks to you and all Bahamas supporters !!!

 

Hope 45596 comes back to the south once there is coaching stock for it to haul

 

News from the Bahamas Locomotive Society. <BJ>

''We are pleased to confirm that the train to run in commemoration of the memory of Steve Peach has been arranged for Saturday, 28th September - details here: https://www.railwaytouring.net/the-mancunian-05-05-24
Steve was one of the Society's long-serving volunteers and worked long and hard to ensure Bahamas was and continues to be the engine admired by many today. Although operational problems have prevented the train from being as envisaged, the Society are extremely grateful Severn Valley Railway for allowing and arranging such an unusual request.
Needless to say Bahamas will appear to the standard Peachy would have always expected.
The train will also be a thank you to Maggie's, the charity to support those suffering from cancer, and who provided care and support to Steve and his family. We welcome your support to help this worthwhile cause and remember Peachy''.


....and from Daniel Peach (Steve's son)

''I think dad would have said something along the lines of why all the fuss over me but maybe not as polite as that, but he deserves it despite what he would say.
I’m so glad it’s finally happening to all the faces behind the scenes that have spent many hours organising it thank you, from myself and all my family it will be a fitting end to a tough few years for us all''.

 

This weekend was the last public runs of Bahamas in steam at the Great Central Railway before withdrawal for overhaul. As a special tribute to such a fine locomotive, I made a video montage of 45596 Bahamas on the mainline over the past six to seven years. I hope you enjoy it.

 

Latest news from the Bahamas Locomotive Society. Good progress being made. <BJ>

'' …and so it begins. Some of our volunteers were at Tyseley Locomotive Works on Friday on the task of removing fittings from the cab and smokebox. There’s a lot to do!

There are too many factors to consider to be accurate but we’re hoping it’ll be ready in about 18 months.''